SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- There are position battles taking place in Carolina Panthers training camp. 

• The role of "Cam Newton Understudy," or back-up quarterback, is open
• Derek Anderson was not re-signed to the team
• Garrett Gilbert, Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke are all competing for the position 

Back-up quarterback is one of those open positions. Longtime back-up Derek Anderson was not re-signed by the team, meaning the role of "Cam Newton Understudy," is open for auditions.

Garrett Gilbert would appear to have the inside track, as he was on the roster with the team late last season, but in the NFL there are no guarantees.

"My attitude hasn't changed," Gilbert said Thursday.  "I'm here to get better every single day, improve, take coaching in meetings and be the best quarterback I can be on a daily basis for this team."

Also competing for the back-up role are rookie Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke.  Heinicke has three years of NFL experience under his belt, but has just one career completion to his credit, while playing for the Houston Texans.  For Gilbert, staying focused on what he is doing is most beneficial.

"The moment I start worrying about things I can't control, is when I get in the way of my progression.  I'm just going to continue to try and get better every single day, and let the chips fall where they may."